The Pack-Ass, the Wild Ass, and the Lion

A Wild Ass saw a Pack-Ass jogging along under a heavy load, and
taunted him with the condition of slavery in which he lived, in
these words: "What a vile lot is yours compared with mine! I am
free as the air, and never do a stroke of work; and, as for fodder,
I have only to go to the hills and there I find far more than
enough for my needs. But you! you depend on your master for food,
and he makes you carry heavy loads every day and beats you
unmercifully." At that moment a Lion appeared on the scene, and
made no attempt to molest the Pack-Ass owing to the presence of the
driver; but he fell upon the Wild Ass, who had no one to protect
him, and without more ado made a meal of him.

— It is no use being your own master unless you can
stand up for yourself.